Court of appeal affirms Marshall's candidacy for office

Jul. 28, 2008

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Alexandria City Council President Louis Marshall speaks at a special session of the council on Thursday to discuss funding for the Hotel Bentley. - Tia Owens-Powers/tpowers@thetowntalk.com / Town Talk photo

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The Louisiana 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal said Monday the lower court did not err when it dismissed a suit that allows City Council President Louis Marshall to seek public office.

The court waived oral arguments that were expected Monday and issued an opinion on the case based on briefs filed last week.

"The judgment of the trial court is affirmed, and costs of this appeal are assessed to the plaintiff-appellant James Roy Chrishon," reads the 10-page document with the opinion from Judges Sylvia R. Cooks, Oswald A. Decuir and Marc T. Amy.

Chrishon had petitioned the court to disqualify Marshall as candidate for City Council District 1 because he is a federal convicted felon. The conviction stems from a 1993 guilty plea regarding the illegal shipment of a firearm.

Ninth Judicial District Court Judge John Davidson had said, however, Marshall could be disqualified only if he was also charged under Louisiana law.

Not finding a corresponding state felony offense, Davidson dismissed the case July 17. Neither Marshall nor Chrishon could be reached for comment late Monday evening. Marshall represents District 1 and is seeking his third term in the Oct. 4 election.